Spain > Castilla y Leon > Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is an important wine-producing area in the Castilla y Leon autonomous region of Spain. Despite a long history of winemaking, it is in the last 30 years that Ribera del Duero has emerged from almost nowhere to challenge Rioja for the crown of Spain's greatest wine region; it was not awarded DO status until 1982.
Ribera del Duero sits on the elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula at 800m above sea level; the region's inland location, coupled with the sheltering effects of the nearby Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Guadarrama mountain ranges, creates an extreme climate with low rainfall (450 mm per year), in which hot and dry summers are followed by harsh winters. In the growing season, with its high altitude and diurnal variation (hot days, cool nights), the microclimate ensures ripeness while preserving the vivacity of the fruit, aromatic flavours and refreshing acidity.
Soil conditions in Ribera del Duero are near-perfect, with a great diversity of soils extending from the banks of the Duero to the steepest slopes. Closest to the river, soils are alluvial with sand and reddish clay. At higher elevations, alternating layers of limestone, marl and even chalk are a notable feature, even with many outstanding plantings on limestone sites.
Wines produced in Ribera del Duero derive almost exclusively from red grapes. Tempranillo, being the most widely planted grape variety in the region, is known locally either as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais is often, but not always, complimented with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Garnacha is mainly used for rosé wines; Albillo, the only white variety grown, is sometimes added as a softener for heavy red wines or for wines that don't qualify for the DO title.
The same DO rules govern Ribera's barrel-aged styles as for Rioja:
The use of oak is closely regulated by type and classification. In addition, oak barrels are changed every four years (on average).
Premier Producers
Sources:
- wine-searcher
- Berry Bros & Rudd
- Consejo Regulador de la Denominacion de Origen Ribera del Duero
- Drink Ribera. Drink Spain,
Ribera del Duero is an important wine-producing area in the Castilla y Leon autonomous region of Spain. Despite a long history of winemaking, it is in the last 30 years that Ribera del Duero has emerged from almost nowhere to challenge Rioja for the crown of Spain's greatest wine region; it was not awarded DO status until 1982.
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| Vineyard in Vega-Sicilia, Ribera del Duero |
Ribera del Duero sits on the elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula at 800m above sea level; the region's inland location, coupled with the sheltering effects of the nearby Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Guadarrama mountain ranges, creates an extreme climate with low rainfall (450 mm per year), in which hot and dry summers are followed by harsh winters. In the growing season, with its high altitude and diurnal variation (hot days, cool nights), the microclimate ensures ripeness while preserving the vivacity of the fruit, aromatic flavours and refreshing acidity.
Soil conditions in Ribera del Duero are near-perfect, with a great diversity of soils extending from the banks of the Duero to the steepest slopes. Closest to the river, soils are alluvial with sand and reddish clay. At higher elevations, alternating layers of limestone, marl and even chalk are a notable feature, even with many outstanding plantings on limestone sites.
Wines produced in Ribera del Duero derive almost exclusively from red grapes. Tempranillo, being the most widely planted grape variety in the region, is known locally either as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais is often, but not always, complimented with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Garnacha is mainly used for rosé wines; Albillo, the only white variety grown, is sometimes added as a softener for heavy red wines or for wines that don't qualify for the DO title.
The same DO rules govern Ribera's barrel-aged styles as for Rioja:
- Joven: Joven wines have no oak at all. "Joven Roble" and "Joven Barrica" are interchangeable terms that refer to wines aged for a short period of three to six months in oak, released soon after harvest.
- Crianza: Aged two years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels.
- Reserva: Aged three years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels. After twelve months in oak barrels, Reserva wines are then bottled and laid down in winery cellars, producing wines that are ready to drink once they enter the market.
- Gran Reserva: Wines of outstanding quality, made in select vintage years only. Aged a minimum of sixty months, with at least twenty-four months in oak barrels. Gran Reserva wines are complex and structured, with great balance and vitality.
- Rosado: Rosé wines are fermented without the skin of the grape and are available shortly after the harvest.
The use of oak is closely regulated by type and classification. In addition, oak barrels are changed every four years (on average).
Premier Producers
- Bodegas Alejandro Fernández (Pesquera, Condado de Haza)
- Pago de los Capellanes
- Pingus
- Vega Sicilia (incl. Alion)
- wine-searcher
- Berry Bros & Rudd
- Consejo Regulador de la Denominacion de Origen Ribera del Duero
- Drink Ribera. Drink Spain,
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